The human liver is located to the right of the abdomen. It is a fleshy and large organ, weighing approximately 1.5 kg. It is reddish brown and has a rubbery texture. The liver cannot be palpated because it is behind the ribs.
It has two large sections called the right and left lobes. The gallbladder is located behind the liver, along with parts of the pancreas and intestines.
The liver and these other organs work together to perform the tasks of digesting, absorbing, and processing food.
It is located in the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity, below the diaphragm and to the right of the stomach.
The liver receives approximately 1.4 liters of blood per minute via the hepatic artery and the portal vein.
Exact location
The liver extends from one side of the abdomen to the other side. It is located directly on the diaphragm.
The liver touches the right lateral, the right hypochondrium, the epigastric, and the left hypochondriacal region.
Besides the intestines, it is the only organ that enters so many of the regions of the abdomen.
Location of liver pains
Liver pain is not diagnostic nor does it prove that you have liver disease. But pain in the liver area should be taken seriously.
Pain is usually felt in the upper right area of the abdomen and sometimes pain is also felt in the back. It is sometimes confused with abdominal or digestive disorders.
Liver pain does not originate in the liver, as it does not have nerve endings. The swelling and inflammation of the liver pushes the tissues that cover it, causing pain.
Back pain or abdominal pain can be caused by this type of inflammation.
Features
The main function of the liver is to filter the blood that comes from the digestive tract, before it is distributed throughout the rest of the body.
The liver also has a detoxifying function and metabolizes drugs and chemicals. While performing these functions, the liver secretes bile that ends up in the intestine.
Another important function of the liver is the production of proteins for blood clotting and other functions.
Stores vitamins and iron, as well as glucose. It converts accumulated sugar into functional sugar when the body's glucose levels drop more than normal.
The liver also breaks down hemoglobin, insulin, and other hormones. Also, it converts ammonia into urea, which is vital for metabolism.
It destroys old red blood cells (RBC), which produces stool with its usual brown color.
Discoloration of stools may indicate a liver problem. Another sign of liver problems is yellowing of the skin and eyes.
This is due to the accumulation of bilirubin, a residue from the breakdown of hemoglobin.
Liver diseases
Being such an important organ, the liver is also vulnerable to disease. These diseases affect its proper functioning.
Liver disease can be caused by a number of reasons; for example, excessive fat accumulation in the liver or inflammation due to cirrhosis due to alcoholism.
There are also other cases of liver damage such as Gilbert's syndrome, Wilson's disease, hepatitis, and cases of immune deficiency.
References
- Matthew Hoffman, MD (2017) Picture of the liver- Human Anatomy. 11/16/2017. Web MD. webmd.com
- Editor (2014) Liver. 11/16/2017. Health Line. healthline.com
- Admin (2017) Liver Pain. 11/16/2017. Health Blogger. ihealthblogger.com
- PHC Editorial Team (2010) Liver Pain- Pictures, Location, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention. 11/16/2017. Prime Health Channel. primehealthchannel.com
- Editor (2015) Anatomy of the liver. 11/16/2017. Lucile Packard Children`s Hospital. stanfordchildrens.org